Participation Vs. Presentation. How can we ensure all children are engaged with the IWB?

Yes, I am posting again about IWBs but I do feel the need to share with you some points from a discussion we had in class this week!


I think that many teachers, and myself, are guilty of using the IWB as a behavioural management tool rather than a learning technology. Yes! It is an awesome way to keep students on task and motivated, however we shouldn't just be doing everything on the IWB for the sake of keeping children entertained. Many scholars propose that we should use the many learning technologies available in the 21st century to create meaningful learning experiences, and so do I. Here are some suggestions my group and I brainstormed:

DO!

• Have group activities in which one group at a time can use the IWB in an intimate manner, while the others do table or floor activities, the rotate.
• Question students and constantly give them feedback! This will keep them engaged and show them that you are monitoring their behaviour and participation appreciatively.
• Treat children fairly! All children should be able to have a go. This point is an extension of the first - if you have smaller groups using the whiteboard each child will be likely to have an equal turn.
• Practise using the file in your classroom before the class. Check that each slide is presentable from a child's perspective.
• Use the IWB to cater to various learning types. Use the media that is available! For example; sound, text, touch, video... 
• Always have a back up plan! You never know when something might go terribly WRONG!

DON'T!

• Do what you can do on a regular whiteboard, on a magnificent IWB!
• Have long lessons in which every child is dying to have their turn and will not pay attention unless they are able to play on the whiteboard!